Dirty, Muddy Warrior Dash Returns to Lake Wales

Wednesday

Jan 30, 2013 at 4:38 PM

By MATT REINSTETLETHE LEDGER

Running in a straight line for 3 miles can get boring sometimes.Those looking for a break from conventional running races, one where you jump over fire, crawl under barbed wire, and run through mud, might find the Warrior Dash is for you.“It's just different,” said Warrior Dash runner Kyle Merritt, 27, of Lakeland. “It's not monotonous like running, you go out there and you're running through mud. If you were just running three miles it wouldn't be that bad, but having all the obstacles makes it more difficult, but at the same time makes it more fun.”The Warrior Dash returns to the Triple Canopy Ranch in Lake Wales on Saturday. Warrior Dash is a 3.34-mile mud run with 12 or more obstacles along the way. This weekend kicks off the Warrior Dash season, which includes more than 50 events in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.“This year, the course will debut never-before-seen obstacles. What's great about them is that they will challenge all athletic abilities; they'll have to climb, crawl to get through these different obstacles,” said Kendra Alley, Warrior Dash race director.Obstacles include climbing over cargo net walls, sliding down mud mounds, and crawling under barbed wire through a mud pit.For participating in the race, runners receive a Warrior Dash T-shirt and fuzzy Viking helmet. For finishing, runners get a medal and access to a party fit for a warrior, with live music, beer and giant turkey legs. This is the third year the race will be held at Triple Canopy Ranch — and the only Warrior Dash race held in Florida this year.Over the last several years, mud/obstacle races have grown in popularity and make tour stops all across Florida, including Tough Mudder in Tampa and the Spartan Race in Miami. The differences between mud run races include the number of obstacles, the degree of difficulty and the distance of the race.One way Warrior Dash has separated itself is its laid-back atmosphere. It's not unusual to see unofficial teams running dressed as comic book heroes or in two-piece suits from a thrift shop. “I don't know, I guess it's because it's an off-the-wall event. It's not just a run, it's not something people take too seriously. You go out there on a Saturday and have a good time.”Andrea Merritt, 27, of Lakeland is no stranger to serious running races, having completed the Disney Marathon in January. Competing with her husband, Kyle, and their friends at Warrior Dash has become something of a tradition.“It's just fun because you're not running it for time,” she said. “Everyone is there to get dirty and to see if you can do it. We have a good time.”

Matt Reinstetle can be reached at matt.reinstetle@theledger.com or 802-7533. Follow Matt on Twitter @LedgerMatt.